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Setting up a water main valve exercise program, over the long-term, will provide substantial cost and time savings to facilities. Unfortunately, many facilities do not engage in periodic water main valve management, even though the advantages outweigh any time lost to maintenance. By regularly opening valves, anticipating possible problems, and sticking to a regulated schedule, facilities will see substantial reductions in water main valve repair costs.

Water systems in every community utilize valves. The valve’s job is to stop, start, and regulate flow through system distribution lines. When facing emergencies, workers may have to open or shut down system lines very quickly. With a maintenance system, workers will know the location of all valves, and will be confident that all valves function as they should.

Many utilities do not regularly exercise valves. Operators are sometimes afraid to open valves, because systems are old, or have been ignored for a significant amount of time. Also, operators may have damaged valves during other maintenance cycles, which may cause them to fear a water main leak, or further damage to valves. Sometimes, facilities simply do not know where their valves are located, or are hesitant to take on added labor costs, or additional tasks.

Exercising valves will provide substantial benefits. Exercised valves means more accurate, detailed records, which gives operators more confidence in the system. Valves will also be longer-lasting, more reliable in emergencies, and less subject to emergency repairs. In addition, water main leak detection and repair will be easier, which means less loss, and less disruption in service for customers.

To exercise valves, operators should follow a simple process. Operators should find the valves, and run each one through a full cycle, before putting it back into the normal position. Running the cycle will help to prevent the buildup of rust and other deposits, which could cause valves to become inoperable. After exercise, operators should record results and observations, and then schedule any needed repairs.

Initially, operators may run into some problems. The most common difficulty is locating all valves; to prevent subsequent searches, operators should map out the locations of all found valves. If operators open valves, utilizing excessive torque, then bonnet bolts, valve stems, or operating nuts may break. Despite the danger of breakage, operators should understand that accidentally breaking valves in an exercise is superior to breaking valves during a crisis.

A diligently-followed schedule is the key to guaranteeing regular maintenance. To make the process easier, utilities should plan out all details of the process, teaching operators how to set appropriate priorities. Electronic data collection may enhance the accuracy of record-keeping, or, to save on costs, utilities may consider outsourcing their exercising routine to a qualified contractor.

When valves are exercised regularly, repairs may be anticipated, in the budget and in the schedule. In addition, utilities will not have to pay emergency overtime, to workers who have to fix failed valves, during a crisis situation. Putting together a Water main valve exercise program may seem tedious, but it could be one of the most budget-friendly steps that a utility will take, to ensure customer convenience and safety.

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